Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen has chosen not to lay blame on midfielder Raphael Onyedika following his sending off in Thursday night's UEFA Europa Conference League showdown against Fiorentina. Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
With Onyedika's dismissal, the Italian side capitalized on their numerical advantage to secure a 3-2 victory in the first leg of the semi-final tie.
Onyedika's troubles began in the 58th minute when he was cautioned for a rash challenge, before receiving his marching orders just three minutes later after a second yellow card.
Reflecting on the incident, Hayen defended Onyedika, stating, "The player himself did not know that he already had yellow, and you could see from his reaction that he was surprised." Hayen emphasized Onyedika's intelligence, suggesting that his unawareness of the earlier booking was a testament to his focus on the game.
Despite Onyedika's absence in the second leg at the Jay Breydelstadion next Thursday, Hayen highlighted the team's aggressive mindset, indicating a determination to avoid conceding unnecessary advantages to their opponents.
“He is, in that respect more intelligent and otherwise he would not have used that tackle in that way.” Hayen said.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun